Since the beginning of the 119th Congress in January 2025, the United States has faced a series of climate-related disasters fueled by fossil fuel emissions.From catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles to severe flooding in Texas, extreme weather events have become a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change.Notably, 74 percent of Americans report experiencing an extreme weather event in the past year, highlighting the pressing nature of the climate crisis.
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americanprogress.orgDespite this backdrop, 119 members of the 119th Congress openly deny the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change.This group includes 24 senators and 95 representatives, a slight decrease from the previous Congress, which had 123 climate deniers.
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americanprogress.orgThese elected officials have collectively received over $51 million in contributions from the fossil fuel industry, indicating a troubling relationship between political funding and climate policy.
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americanprogress.orgThe 119th Congress has already taken significant steps to roll back climate initiatives.The passage of the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) dismantled key provisions of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which had aimed to promote clean energy and reduce pollution.Instead, the BBB provides $18 billion in tax breaks to the oil industry, further entrenching fossil fuel interests in US policy.
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americanprogress.orgThe leadership of the current administration also reflects a commitment to climate denial.President Trump has repeatedly dismissed climate change as a "hoax," while Vice President JD Vance has expressed skepticism about human contributions to climate change.
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americanprogress.orgUnder their leadership, the administration has appointed numerous climate deniers to key positions within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Department of Energy (DOE), undermining efforts to combat climate change.
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americanprogress.orgThe implications of this climate denial are severe.A recent analysis from the Rhodium Group predicts that the Trump administration's policies could increase greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 26 percent by 2040 compared to what would occur under the Biden administration's regulations.
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americanprogress.orgThis trajectory not only threatens the environment but also public health, with increased local air pollution expected to lead to hundreds of avoidable deaths annually.
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americanprogress.orgFurthermore, the climate deniers in Congress have maintained a strong presence in leadership roles, holding 69 percent of such positions during Trump's second term.This contrasts sharply with the previous administration, where climate science was more widely accepted.
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americanprogress.orgThe current Congress's leadership is responsible for executing party policy priorities, which increasingly favor fossil fuel interests over climate action.
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americanprogress.orgAs the 119th Congress continues its work, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) has vowed to defend against these regressive policies.Co-Chair Doris Matsui emphasized the importance of protecting the progress made under the Biden administration and continuing to push for clean energy initiatives.
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bonamici.house.govThe coalition aims to counteract the influence of climate deniers and promote policies that foster innovation and job creation in the clean energy sector.
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bonamici.house.govThe ongoing battle over climate policy in the US reflects a broader ideological divide.While climate deniers push for policies that favor fossil fuel industries, advocates for climate action argue that transitioning to a clean energy economy is essential for both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
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bonamici.house.govThe SEEC's mission is to safeguard recent climate progress and ensure that the US remains a leader in clean energy innovation.
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bonamici.house.govIn summary, the 119th Congress, under the leadership of climate deniers, poses significant challenges to addressing climate change effectively.The rollback of climate initiatives and the prioritization of fossil fuel interests threaten both the environment and public health.As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, the need for robust climate policies and leadership that acknowledges scientific consensus has never been more critical.
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americanprogress.orgThe future of US climate policy hangs in the balance as Congress navigates the competing interests of climate denial and the urgent need for action against climate change.The upcoming sessions will be pivotal in determining whether the nation can pivot towards a sustainable and resilient future or continue down a path of environmental degradation.
